Although economic bright spots boosted industry sentiment in 2012, burdensome regulatory regimes and skepticism regarding the government’s ability to implement an effective tax-overhaul are undermining confidence in the recovery, said Lawrence Sloan, president and CEO of Socma, addressing attendees of Informex, held recently in Anaheim, CA. “The economy was rolling along quite nicely after the recession,” said Sloan, noting the housing market recovery, modest growth in consumer spending, and increased reshoring as tailwinds. Shale gas...